Riya: A Timeless Fusion of Past and Future

Priyanka Kedia's Award-Winning Necklace Design Inspired by Heirlooms

The inspiration behind Riya is deeply personal and rooted in the past. Kedia drew from two cherished pieces: a family heirloom commissioned by her grandfather and a silver collar she adored as a child. These elements were reimagined into a modern silhouette, creating a legacy piece that speaks of love, dedication, and the unity of two souls.

What sets Riya apart is its balance between luxury and casual. The design features angular-cut stones playfully juxtaposed with pear and marquise-shape stones. The heirloom pieces that inspired this collar were analyzed, deconstructed, and their forms abstracted and reinterpreted. The result is a design that exudes stability and comfort. The gemstones are carefully arranged to give an appearance of symmetry, yet the design's standout feature is its asymmetrical look.

The creation of Riya involved a meticulous process. A wax mold was hand-carved, from which a silver sample was created. This was then molded in 18k yellow gold and hand-set with diamonds, white sapphires, and pink tourmalines. The process took six months, reflecting Kedia's dedication to craftsmanship and detail.

Despite its current popularity, Kedia believes that the collar necklace will remain a steadfast presence for many generations due to its thoughtful design and timeless appeal. The design was born out of a desire to create artisan jewelry that tells a story and lasts through generations, much like the heirlooms that inspired it.

One of the challenges Kedia faced was creating an asymmetrical look that was balanced when worn. This required careful placement of the gemstones to ensure the piece did not appear heavier on one side. The result is a design that is as comfortable to wear as it is visually appealing.

Riya's excellence in design has not gone unnoticed. It was awarded the Golden A' Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.